In an era where India is striving toward Viksit Bharat 2047, a CCSEA-supported National Seminar on “Ethics and Regulatory Guidelines in Animal Welfare and Experimentation” was successfully conducted at Pondicherry University by the Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, in association with the Institution’s Innovation Council and the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee with the objective of fostering ethical responsibility and regulatory awareness in animal-based research. Animal-based research continues to serve as a cornerstone of modern biomedical science, playing a crucial role in therapeutic innovations and translational medicine. In this context, the seminar aimed to promote ethical consciousness, regulatory literacy, and responsible research practices among the scientific community.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prakash Babu in his presidential address underscored the ethical mandate of CCSEA and their nominees as the voice representing the voiceless animals in research. He highlighted the scientific importance of in vivo models in corroborating in vitro data and ensuring research reliability. The Chief guest of the day Dr. Vivek Tyagi, Senior Consultant, CCSEA, Govt. of India inaugurating the National seminar emphasised the regulatory guidelines in animal welfare and animal experimentation.

The inaugural session opened with a welcome note by Dr. Rukkmani, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by all the dignitaries on the dais, marked the formal inauguration of the seminar. Prof. Hannah Rachel Vasanthi, Organising Secretary of the Seminar, presented a comprehensive snapshot of the seminar. She highlighted that the programme witnessed wide participation, of nearly 250 UG and PG students of varied disciplines such Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Veterinary Sciences, MD Pharmacology from medical colleges, and MD Siddha Medicine from National Institute of Siddha. along with nearly 45 Research scholars, faculty and scientists from various departments of Pondicherry University and adjoining institutions.

Dr. Joseph Selvin, Dean, School of Life Sciences, offered his felicitations and highlighted the importance of animal research in advancing biomedical science and healthcare innovation.  The technical sessions featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Harishankar, Dr. Udhaykumar (NIN), Dr. Gerald Mahesh (CCMB), Dr. Bharathidasan, Dr. Kavimani, and Dr. Vivek Tyagi, who delivered expert lectures on regulatory frameworks, laboratory animal facility guidelines, and animal welfare standards, equipping participants with practical insights into ethical compliance in research. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof. Thirunavukkarasu, Coordinator, Central Animal House Facility, Pondicherry University.

By combining expert perspectives with active student engagement, the seminar created a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, ethical awareness, and skill development. The event concluded with a collective resolve to uphold animal welfare while advancing India’s scientific aspirations in the global market.

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TV/RK

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